The Acorn Group

Developing Internal Audit Capability Through Apprenticeships

About The Acorn Group 

The Acorn Group is a UK-based organisation operating across insurance, underwriting and claims management. The group supports a wide range of customers through its specialist businesses, including Acorn Insurance. 

Acorn Insurance delivers specialist motor insurance, offering tailored cover for customers who may not fit standard models. With in-house underwriting and claims, it provides flexible insurance solutions within a regulated environment. 

Why the Apprenticeship Mattered 

To support ongoing development of internal audit capability within the business, Acorn Insurance enrolled Rebecca Kelly, an internal audit trainee, onto the Internal Audit Technician Level 4 apprenticeship. 

As this was a new programme for the organisation, it was important that they selected the right apprenticeship for both learner and the wider needs of the business. They ensured the programme aligned with Rebecca’s role, supporting her long-term development and ensuring the programme aligned with both the learner’s role and the wider needs of the business 

A Seamless Start 

We spoke with Natalie Woods, Apprenticeship Manager at Acorn Insurance, who described the onboarding experience as “quite seamless”. 

Information was provided at the right stages to support decision making, helping the organisation feel confident they were selecting the right programme. Natalie also highlighted how the communication and support throughout the process “made my life a bit easier, my job a bit easier”, particularly during the onboarding & documentation stages. 

What they Valued Most 

Communication was highlighted as a key strength throughout the process, with regular contact helping to keep everything on track and reducing internal pressures. Natalie described her experience as being “really straightforward”, explaining that the support provided helped make the process easier to manage, notably when coordinating documentation and requirements. 

Early Impact 

Although the learner is still in the early stages of the programme, feedback so far has been very positive. Natalie explained how everything has been running smoothly, stating how Bhavish, the learner’s line manager, is happy with how everything is progressing and the way the apprenticeship is being delivered.  

Final Thoughts 

Overall, Acorn Insurance would recommend the Internal Audit Technician Apprenticeship, stating that it is “everything that Bhavish wanted for his learner, is provided within the programme”.  

From the seamless onboarding process to the ongoing communication and support, the programme has provided the confidence that they have made the right decision for both learner and the business. The apprenticeship is not only supporting employee development but also reassuring the company that training is aligning with operational needs.